This message is from: Kathleen Spiegel <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
That stuff is brown gold! Over the years I have landscaped two acres of
rockpiles using it. I just move the rocks out to the perimeter of where I want
a garden ( that leaves a hole because there is no dirt here) add manure-make
sure it stays damp for the first season ( not sopping) turn it a couple of
times then use it as a garden the next year. An add in the local paper might
get you people who will haul it away for you. There is an increase in gardeners
who are interested in organic or natural methods. The stuff in the pastures we
break up with a harrow a couple of times a year. However, we are talking three
or four horses on 15 acres so it only builds up around the mangers and waterers
( and the paths they use in the winter because they do not want to get their
little feet wet.) Looks funny in the spring because you have these lush green
lines crisscrossing the pastures. In this area - you could add tons to the
acre and only marginally increase the fertility of the ground up rock that
passes for soil. I take all of it they will give me. Used straw and moldy hay
or bedding mixed with manure goes between the trees as mulch a foot or more
deep. After a couple of years of doing this, a marginal layer of soil builds up
that you can use for garden. I also scrounge leaves in the fall from town and
haul them out by the truckload to go on top of everything ( looks nicer than
straw). This management style may not do in areas with high rainfal or
humidity and the cows across the street don't mind but your neighbors might
object.
Kathy in Southern Idaho
